Staff

Chris Head
CEO

Hello, I am Chris Head and I was delighted to take on the job of chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation at the end of 2007, having previously done similar roles at two other national health-care charities, Penny Brohn CancerCare and CLIC UK (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood).

I think the great thing about the Foundation is that, as well as funding the vital medical research which will finally lead to cures for meningitis and septicaemia, we also support people affected. We offer an opportunity, through our Membership scheme, for everyone to become directly involved in our work, particularly through media campaigns and fundraising, and I am constantly grateful for the energy and commitment of our thousands of supporters.

As a member of the Institute of Fundraising, a former board member of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, I believe strongly in championing professional standards in the charity sector. I am very fortunate that the dedication and expertise of my colleagues here is making a real difference people affected by and at risk from meningitis and septicaemia, both in the UK and abroad. 

Away from work I am an enthusiastic amateur musician and enjoy life with my family in Bath.

Paul George
Office Manager and PA to CEO

I have been with MRF since 1995, initially working 3 hours a day while managing a young family. Since then I have slowly become full time and moved over from fundraising to the position of office manager.

I am a keen supporter Charlton Athletic.

Kelly Bidder
Finance Manager

Hi I'm Kelly Bidder and I've been working for MRF since May 2004 as the Finance Manager.

My main role is to process all the income and expenditure for the whole charity including satellite offices and preparing monthly management accounts, but colleagues would agree an important part of my job is paying their wages!

I enjoy working for the charity and hopefully one day I will be able to keep on top of my filing!


Sue Gillett
Cashier

My name is Sue Gillett and I've been working for the charity since November 1994, how time flies!

I'm the cashier and I deal with all the financial paperwork that comes into the charity, such as invoices, expenses forms, purchase orders and, more seriously, the banking.

I also spend time trying to collect tea and coffee funds from the staff, this is sometimes the hardest part of my job.

Harpinder Collacott
Head of Communications and Campaigns

Hi, I'm Harpinder Collacott and I head up the Communications and Campaigns Department at MRF. I joined in September 2008, just in time to implement this new website project. My career has mainly been in the human rights field, working for the prosecutor of the War Crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone, think tanks and NGOs in Washington, DC USA, The Oak Foundation funding international human rights projects, and in the UK and European Parliaments for Parliamentarians.

My objectives are to raise the profile of the organisation through greater use of digital technology in our communications, informing a growing audience of the great results emerging from the excellent research we fund, and continue to make sure we raise awareness among as many people as possible about the diseases.

It is great to work with such a committed and passionate team at the Foundation and getting to know inspirational members and supporters, whose stories and bravery make every day worthwhile.

Do get involved in our campaigns and awareness work - your experiences really bring all our work alive. I look forward to hearing from you.

Adrian Robson
Communications Manager

Hi. I'm Adrian Robson. I work in the Communications Department at the Foundation and have done since 1999.

I look after lots of e-communications, like this website, as well our newsletter for members and supporters - Microscope.

I also work to increase media coverage of meningitis and septicaemia and the work of MRF.

Having a true understanding of the devastating effects of the diseases, through our Members, continues to be my main motivation.

Read our Members' stories on site in the Book of Experience.

Kirsten Appleton
Publications and Events Officer

I'm Kirsten Appleton, the Publications and Events Officer, and have been with the charity since 2004.

I look after all of the Foundation's printed materials - from the smallest symptoms card to the biggest wallplanner, and everything in between.

As part of the Communications Team I also help with working with the media, and I love the involvement this gives me with our Members, as their stories are a constant reminder of what it is we are trying to achieve.

 

Becky Pierce-Jones
PR Manager

My name is Becky Pierce-Jones and I have recently joined MRF as PR Manager. I’m part of the Communications Team and my role is to promote the charity, its aims and the work of our researchers, members and fantastic fundraisers across the UK and RoI.

In my short time at MRF I have already spoken to some amazing people who have beaten the disease but with staggering life time after effects and those that have lost a loved one.

Personal experiences of the disease is what makes a story interesting to the media and will enable us to achieve more coverage of the work we are doing so if you have a story to tell please do get in touch.

I look forward to hearing your news.

Shirley Gieron
Head of Helpline and Membership

Hi, I'm Shirley and I lead a team of dedicated staff and nurses working within the 24 hour Helpline and Membership Department.

My work with Members and individuals who have personal experience of meningitis and septicaemia includes home visits, the Telephone Befriending Network, giving talks to health professionals and community groups, running Members' Days and linking with other agencies and charities dealing with neurological and physical disabilities.

I feel privileged to support people affected by these diseases through times of extreme crisis, sharing their experiences and working with them through life changing trauma.

Victoria Oakey
Helpline and Membership Officer

I started working for the Foundation in 2003 as Helpline and Membership Officer.

As well as taking calls to the helpline, my role includes working with our members to arrange cheque presentations and awareness events, delivering awareness talks to various groups, and supporting our Befriender Coordinator with the Telephone Befriending Network.

The most rewarding part of my job is meeting and working alongside our Members.

I'm on maternity leave at the moment.

Laurie Hannigan
Helpline and Membership Officer

Hi, my name is Laurie and I joined the Foundation in 2011 as Helpline and Membership Officer. In addition to answering helpline calls and providing ongoing support to people affected by meningitis and septicaemia, I work with MRF members in their efforts to get involved with the Foundation.

My aims are to encourage and support our members to in their volunteering efforts, both in terms of fundraising and raising awareness. In 2012 I will be helping to launch the MRF Ambassadors Project, which will give established members the opportunity to represent the Foundation at a regional level. We hope this project will allow our members to have an even greater impact in the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.

I am privileged to be working on behalf of the MRF members and am looking forward to meeting with and learning from as many of you as possible; please do get in touch.

laurieh@meningitis.org

 

Linda Glennie
Head of Research and Medical Information

I'm Linda Glennie and I'm Head of Research and Medical Information at MRF where I've worked since 1997.

I work with scientists and health professionals across a range of disciplines to develop information materials for the public and for health professionals, and I've co-authored several educational resources for nurses and trainee doctors. I also organise  the scientific programme for the Foundation’s biennial international conferences.

I'm responsible for managing the administration, peer review and monitoring of the Foundation’s international research programme. In collaboration with the Department of Social Medicine at the University of Bristol I manage the Impact of Meningitis project.

I was a member of the Guideline Development Group for the NICE guideline on Bacterial Meningitis and Meningococcal Septicaemia, published June 2010.

I have a background in biological sciences.

Claire Wright
Medical Information Officer

My name is Claire and my role as Medical Information Officer involves working on the educational materials that MRF distributes to health professionals and the public, making sure that it is up to date with findings from current research. 

I also try to answer specific medical questions we receive about meningitis and septicaemia and promote the charity's work at conferences around the country. 

It’s very rewarding to work on awareness literature which may go on to help save lives and support those who have been affected by this disease.

Gill Currie
Research Officer

Hi, my name is Gill and my role puts me in contact with all the research projects that the charity is funding.

Along with the administration and monitoring of grants, I also help to translate scientific information from the projects into more manageable information for this website and our newsletter, Microscope.

Another important way to link people to our funded research is through our site visit programme, which I help manage.

Being able to track some of the latest research into meningitis and septicaemia is a real privilege, and helping communicate this to the public and affected people is both interesting and rewarding.

 

Rachel Perrin
International Development Officer

Hi, I’m Rachel. Working alongside our international advisory group, my role is to expand the work we’re doing to fight meningitis and septicaemia in Africa, where the burden from these diseases is very high.

One way we hope to achieve this is by supporting a quick and reliable meningitis test. An affordable and simple test that can be used at the patients’ bedside could improve outcomes from meningitis by helping early diagnosis and treatment.

We’re also hoping to increase the scope of our international research projects, and a big part of my job is to raise funds to support research into diagnosis and treatment of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Sarah Campbell
Head of Fundraising

I have been working for the Foundation since 2001 and have seen the fundraising department grow and develop in that time.

I manage the team of community fundraisers and work towards increasing our income.

I have enjoyed my work as I see the direct result between the money raised and lives saved.

It has been my pleasure to work with a fantastic team and wonderful members and supporters who do so much for us.

Ian Beningfield
Deputy Head of Fundraising

Social and new media fan, part time geek and prolific coffee drinker. I've been with the charity since 2004, in the past I was involved with many of the charity's community events including most recently the running programme.

These days I spend a lot of my time finding new ways to use technology and the web to boost our fundraising, stay in contact with our Members and supporters and baffle my colleagues with jargon.

 Genna Vizard
Community Fundraising Officer

I’m Genna and have been working for MRF since 2009.

My role as Community Fundraising Officer involves supporting our fantastic members and supporters who are fundraising for us.

I also work with schools and nurseries on various fundraising events including our new nursery fundraising initiative Boogie Fit with Pete and Marvin.

gennav@meningitis.org

Susie Bailey
Fundraising Officer

Hi I’m Susie and I’ve just joined the Fundraising team as a Community Fundraising Officer.

I’ll be working mainly with Universities and RAGs on Raids, mega raids and the big one ‘London Loot’ in April. I’m also in charge of our student Kili climb as well as some of the runs.

If you ever fancy doing any collecting for MRF then let me know, as we always have lots of permits on offer all across the country. I look forward to meeting lots of you at our events.

Get in touch at susieb@meningitis.org

Nikki May
Community Fundraising Officer

Hi, I'm Nikki.

I joined MRF in 2010 and thoroughly enjoy working in the Fundraising team.

If you’re interested in taking part in any of the following runs; London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Bath Half Marathon, Cardiff Half Marathon, Reading Half Marathon, Great Manchester or Great South Run then please get in touch to find out how you could be part of the MRF team. Or if you feel a bit more ambitious and would like to support MRF by taking part in a parachute jump or one of our overseas challenges then contact me so we can arrange for you to take part in the experience of a lifetime while raising money for a fantastic cause.

From working as a Community Fundraising Officer, I get to meet lots of our supporters of the charity at our events throughout the year and it’s fantastic to see so many achieve the high fundraising targets they set themselves. I look forward to meeting many more supporters of MRF at future events.

nikkim@meningitis.org

Julie Wootton
Administration Assistant

I have been an administrative assistant within the Fundraising Department and the Admin Team since March 2002. Part of my duties are to support the fundraisers on their events and to keep the cupboard stocked up with resources.

I enjoy talking with our supporters and Members and hearing of their experiences even though some of them are devastating, but most of all I am amazed at the commitment of some of them in raising money to support the Foundation.

Tracey Coghlan
Administration Assistant

I have worked at Meningitis Research Foundation since September 2008.

I work as Admin Assistant in the Fundraising Department and find it an interesting and varied role.

I am constantly moved by the experiences from our Members and amazed by their determination to make a difference. I like to feel that in some small way I am helping them all in reaching their goal.

Mary Millar
Scotland Office Manager

I'm Mary Millar and I'm the Scotland Manager. I joined MRF in July 2009.

My background is in marketing and advertising within the private sector, and I will be fully utilising these skills to promote the Foundation further in Scotland and to drive forward increased awareness, support and fundraising campaigns.

I'm really looking forward to meeting all our Scottish Members and Supporters, and to helping make a difference to our important cause.

Robbie Coleman
Medical Information Officer

I work as the Medical Information Officer in Scotland. I have a background in Medical Science and Anatomy.

I've been with the Foundation since April '08.

I find this job motivating as I can channel my efforts into trying to prevent people suffering from the effects of meningitis and septicaemia and help provide support for those who have.

Alison Baker
Fundraising Officer

Hi, I'm Alison and I work in the Edinburgh office of the Foundation.

I've been working in a fundrasing role since 2006 and I thoroughly enjoy the large variety of fundraising that our office deals with.

I'm happy to help with all things fundraising in Scotland.

Dawn Carrie
Admin Officer

Hi , I'm Dawn and and I started at the Foundation in August 2009 as an Administration and Fundraising Assistant in the Edinburgh Office. My role includes orgainsing street, supermarket and can collections in Scotland. I rely on the help of all our wonderful volunteer, members and supports, who I am looking forward to meeting.

Diane McConnell
Ireland Manager

I have been with the charity since 5 April 1995 and am the Ireland manager - which incorporates two offices, Belfast and Dublin.

I love my job and get great satisfaction from working with members and supporters of the charity who are as committed to the cause as I am.

I have four grown up children and one grandson. I like family Sundays and walk and read when I get the time.

Marbeth Ferguson
Medical Information Officer

My name is Marbeth Ferguson and I've been Medical Information Officer in Northern Ireland since June 2008.

I feel honoured to work with our members and supporters and hearing how meningitis and septicaemia has devastated so many lives reminds me how vital our work at MRF is.

Emma Collins
Fundraising Officer

I’m Emma Collins and I work as a Fundraising Officer in our Belfast office and have been with the Foundation since 14th March 2007. I feel working for Meningitis Research Foundation is extremely rewarding and although I have been amazed by people’s fundraising efforts I have also been saddened at how meningitis and septicaemia can affect and devastate lives. This is why I am passionate about my role.

Ifeel honoured to work with our members and supporters and hearing howmeningitis and septicaemia has devastated so many lives reminds me how vital our work at MRF is.

Keli Wilkinson
Fundraising Officer

I work as a Fundraising Officer in our Belfast Office and have been with the Foundation since October 2007.

The role is extremely varied and there is never a dull moment which is great! I work closely with Emma Collins, the other fundraiser in the office, although I am responsible for parachute jumps, overseas challenges, corporate fundraising, marathons and that's just for starters!

I really enjoy talking to members and supporters and meeting them at events as I think that makes all the difference. I really enjoy being able to help people with their fundraising ideas and find the role very rewarding.

We are a small team in Belfast but we all work very well together which makes it a great place to work!

Diane McConnell
Ireland Manager

I have been with the charity since 5 April 1995 and am the Ireland manager - which incorporates two offices, Belfast and Dublin.

I love my job and get great satisfaction from working with members and supporters of the charity who are as committed to the cause as I am.

I have four grown up children and one grandson. I like family Sundays and walk and read when I get the time.

Clodagh Hegarty
Medical Information Officer

Hi. I'm Clodagh and I the Medical Information Officer in the Dublin office.

What really attracted me to this job was having the chance to make a difference. I have been hugely impressed by the level of commitment and care that is shown by all staff. I feel privileged to be a part of this team.

Monika Madej
Fundraising Officer in Ireland

I work as a Fundraising Officer for Dublin office and have been with the Foundation since 29 May 2006.

As the only fundraiser in the office I'm responsible for generating the income and coordinating every aspect of the fundraising activity.

The charity gives me not only a great opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge but also a possibility to meet wonderful and inspirational people.

In my spare time I enjoy life the best I can.


Wioletta Tometczak
Administrative Officer

I have been working at the Foundation 1 year and 6 months.

It's good to work in a demanding, fast-paced multi-tasking office and to know that we are helping other people.